Stay in the thick of it at this Harlem guest house. Central Park is less than a mile away, along with many historic sites like the Apollo Theater and, of course, the bright lights of Manhattan's nightlife. The digs themselves feature large living areas with iPod docking stations, coffee-making facilities and free WiFi.

Manhattan's Upper East Side makes a fashionable home for The Surrey. It was once a residence hotel where the likes of JFK and Bette Davis stayed, and today the grandeur continues with luxurious beds, handpainted wardrobes and a rooftop garden with views to nearby sites like Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This Bronx hotel lands guests in a clever location for visiting many of the Big Apple's famous sites. Cameras at the ready for Yankee Stadium (15 minutes away via the subway), along with Times Square, the Botanical Gardens and other snap-worthy places within easy reach.

What is the surrounding area like?

Sporting plenty of playing fields and green space, the island offers an antidote to the hectic pace of Manhattan. Inevitably that means little in the way of established pubs and bars, too. If it's nightlife you're after, you'll have to cross over the bridge to Manhattan or the Bronx to carry on the fun.

Baseball fans can get their hands on artifacts like Babe Ruth's bat and Derek Jeter's jersey during a trip around Bronx's Yankee Stadium. The guided tour is led by the museum's curator, so comes with a pretty hefty price tag of $125.

Its streets and skyscrapers are shown in endless films, but how much do you really know about New York City? Bone up at this museum, built in 1932, which explores the many fascinating cultures and lives of the city's urban landscape. Visitors pay $14 for an afternoon's worth of entertainment including a 22-minute video narrated by the actor Stanley Tucci.

What's the best way to get to Randall's Island?

The island is between Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx, separated from Manhattan by the Harlem River. Parking is either restricted or a complete no-go for big concerts and events, so you'd be best going by bike or public transport. From Manhattan, you can also take the Ward's Island footbridge: walk all the way east on E 102nd Street until you reach the Harlem River then take the footbridge from there. Once you're on the island, turn left and walk along the Harlem River Pathway, which will lead you round to the stadium and park.

Will there be a ferry running?

It depends on the event. Ferries might be put on for festivals and larger events - going from East 35th Street to the island's dock on Harlem River.

How's the food and drink?

Facilities on the island are few and far between. Granted, the event is likely to have concession stands but, if your ticket allows it, consider bringing your own drinks and snacks to enjoy in the greenery. That's what picnic benches were made for, right?

Any other info the visitor might want to know?

To keep up your comfort-levels, don't shy away from using bug spray or slapping on the sun lotion.

#1Rated

Randall's Island Reviews

This venue is ranked #1 of 1 rated venue in Astoria

OVERALL AVERAGE SCORE:

VERY GOOD (4 out of 5)

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4

Very Good - 4 out of 5

Mary, Brooklyn Tue, 9 June 2015

Very nice concert. Good food, but very expensive. The ground needs to be prepared better in case it rains. My shoes got ruined with MUD. A lot of people smoking cigarettes, smoking pot and drinking excessively until they passed out. The chinese food tasted really BAD. The music could have been better. More security needed in the VIP - people were jumping to the VIP section without authority.